European expansion

Eutelsat, a major European provider of satellite communications services, has signed a five-year agreement with Qualcomm to provide wireless fleet management and mobile communications systems. The service, which is called EutelTRACS, is similar to North America's OmniTRACS system, offering two-way messaging, vehicle tracking and fleet management software.

Eutelsat operates 18 satellites and has six more under construction. Its fleet service will offer coverage across Europe, as far east as Kazakhstan in central Asia and as far south as Northern Africa.

Qualcomm has also announced the promotion of Norman Ellis as vp of business operations for Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions.

Before joining Qualcomm in 1998, Ellis held management positions with a number of fleets, including Overnite Express.

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